The [Cobb County] school board [...] tossed around the idea of turning the whole transportation department over to a private company.

"Since we've got to make some tough decisions, I think that's something we have to consider," said School Board member Dr. John Abraham. "Is to be able to maybe get an RFP to contract the whole bus service out." RFP stands for "request for proposal."

Board members said they believe privatization could be cheaper in the short run, also it could reduce the hundreds of bus driver jobs off their roles, reducing health care and retirement costs to the taxpayers.

As local governments struggle with balancing their budgets, everything should be considered including this radical proposal.

Privatizing the school bus fleet is an idea worthy of discussion.

There's no telling how much money a school system might save due to the privatization of their bus fleet. Still, if the choice is between cutting arts and music, closing down schools, raising taxes or privatizing the buses, I lean towards privatizing the buses.